Mackay event supports next generation of women in trades
Media release
Mackay, Queensland
Young women from across the Mackay region have stepped into workshops and classrooms to explore careers in trades, as part of a hands-on careers day hosted by Mackay Engineering College.
The annual Toolkit for Girls event invites Year 10 students to try practical activities, connect with industry and hear directly from female apprentices, providing a supportive environment to learn more about pathways into traditionally male-dominated industries.
Glencore’s Hail Creek coal operation joined a range of industry representatives on the day, with apprentices working alongside students and sharing their experiences in the mining sector.
For second-year Diesel Fitter apprentice Jordan Bray, the day was particularly meaningful. Just four years ago, she attended the same event as a student from Northern Beaches State High School and is now completing her apprenticeship with Hail Creek Open Cut.
“The students who attended were really great and keen to have a go. They asked lots of questions about what it’s like to complete an apprenticeship in mining and really engaged with us in the workshop,” Jordan said.
“It was a bit of a full circle moment for me. I came to this event when I was at school, and now I’m back as an apprentice, helping others learn about the same pathway.”
Jordan said the day also provided an opportunity to connect with other apprentices across different industries.
“I really enjoyed meeting other apprentices from the region, sharing our experiences and learning from each other as well,” she said.
The event brought together employers from mining, rail, marine and engineering, giving students a broader understanding of the opportunities available and encouraging more young women to consider a career in trades.
For students like Jordan, the day shows how early exposure to trades can lead to real opportunities, and with support from employers like Glencore’s Hail Creek Open Cut, these first experiences can become a career.
For further information, please contact:
Elise Hawkins
m: +61 408 095 530
e: Elise Hawkins
Jessica Smith
m: +61 497 504 420
e: Jessica Smith
Notes for editors
About Glencore in Australia
In Australia, Glencore produces coal, zinc, nickel, cobalt, lead and silver from 16 active mining operations. We also operate seven copper, zinc, lead, nickel and cobalt processing assets in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, including concentrators, smelters and refineries.
We are among Australia’s largest producers and marketers of natural resources, connecting Australian resources with industrial customers around the world. Through our diverse portfolio, we responsibly supply the resources that advance everyday life.
In 2025 Glencore spent $19.3 billion operating in Australia, providing jobs for 16,820 people and making a significant socio-economic contribution across the country. This included spend of 14.21 billion with 6,440 businesses, as well as $2.4 billion in government tax and royalty payments.
We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace for our people, to respecting the environment, to engaging openly and constructively with the Traditional Owners on whose lands we operate and to bringing value to local communities.
We will support the global effort to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement through our efforts to decarbonise our own operational footprint. We believe that we should take a holistic approach and have considered our commitment through the lens of our global industrial emissions. For more information see our 2024-2026 Climate Action Transition Plan.
Learn more about Glencore Australia